| Title | Successful implementation of a national HLA-B*5701 genetic testing service in Canada. | | Author(s) | Lalonde RG, Thomas R, Rachlis A, Gill MJ, Roger M, Angel JB, Smith G, Higgins N, Trottier B | | Institution | Immunodeficiency Service, Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. | | Source | Tissue Antigens 2009 Oct 15. | | Abstract | Abstract Abacavir is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is used in combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients. It is currently recommended as a preferred or an alternative NRTI in antiretroviral-naïve patients. The major toxicity of abacavir is a hypersensitivity reaction (HSR), which occurs in approximately 5% of treated patients. There is a strong association between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*5701 allele and abacavir HSR, which has allowed for rapid acceptance of genetic screening for HLA-B*5701 in clinical use. Canadian clinicians working in hospital centers with HLA typing capacity opted to launch a pilot project in 2006 to offer the screening test as standard of care to HIV-infected patients. Currently, more than 11,000 HLA-B*5701 tests have been performed, among which 6.3% are positive. Continued efforts have been made to ensure that testing is available to all HIV-infected patients to widen the patients' therapeutic options. HLA-B*5701 screening shows clinical use and preliminary data suggest cost-effectiveness. | | Language | ENG | | Pub Type(s) | JOURNAL ARTICLE
| | PubMed ID | 19843279 |
|
